Expedition to Kilimanjaro | 8-day program

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will be welcomed by a representative from Explore Active and transferred to the designated hotel or one of your choice. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, hot water, a friendly staff, a swimming pool, and internet access to ensure a comfortable stay.

-> Before beginning the climb, a pre-climb briefing and equipment check will be conducted to make sure that you have all the necessary items and are properly prepared for the journey. Our guides, who are highly experienced, will be with you every step of the way to ensure a safe and enjoyable climbing experience on Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit.

-> If time allows, it is recommended to explore the surrounding areas and acclimate to the altitude before starting the climb. Our local guides and representatives will be happy to suggest activities and sights to see in the area and assist with any additional arrangements.

Embark on a breathtaking adventure as you start your trek at Lemosho Gate. After registering with the park authorities, you will begin your hike through lush rainforests and diverse vegetation zones, such as montane forest and heathland.

-> The gradual ascent will take approximately 3-4 hours with proper rest breaks and hydration, taking you to the stunning Mti Mkubwa. Here, you will sign in, take a group photo, and be escorted to your designated campsite where your camping equipment awaits.

-> Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with an evening briefing, outlining the plans for the next day and any necessary information. Spend the night at the picturesque Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp, where you can rest and recharge before the next leg of your journey. Remember to properly store your food and trash to avoid any wildlife interactions.

The second day of your trek is sure to be a highlight as you start early and enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off on a gradual ascent to 3,500 meters. The views of the Shira Plateau and Kibo Volcano that you will see for the first time are truly breathtaking.

The trek from Mti Mkubwa Camp to the second high-altitude Shira 1 Camp is relatively easy and takes around 4-5 hours, allowing you to gradually begin the acclimatization process, which is essential for a successful trek.

When you arrive at the camp, your dedicated team will prepare lunch for you, and you can choose to rest in your tent or explore the surrounding area. This itinerary is the perfect way to take in the natural beauty of the mountain while ensuring that you are properly acclimatized and prepared for the days ahead.

On the third day of our trek from Shira I to Moir, we will set off early after breakfast. We will start by crossing a vast plain adorned with a mix of small bushes and grasses, which creates a captivating and alluring landscape, and the road conditions are favorable. As we continue forward, we will come across a road used by rescue vehicles to assist anyone experiencing health issues. Along the way, we will take regular breaks for drinking water and snacking, as well as to use washrooms.

After a while, we will reach Moir Hut camp, which is an excellent spot for acclimatization walks in the serene natural environment. We can take advantage of this opportunity in the evening, after lunch and rest. We will spend the night at Moir Hut, ensuring that you are well-rested, well-fed, and well-hydrated, as it is essential for your health

Our journey to Buffalo Camp (Pofu) will be an exhilarating one. We'll begin by taking on the ascent from Moir Valley and continue along the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. As we make our way, we'll get to marvel at Kibo's slopes while experiencing alternating gains and descents in elevation. We'll then take a quick detour before heading back to the trail and heading eastwards along the northern circuit trail. This section of the trek will undulate until we finally arrive at the location of Buffalo Camp, our resting place for the day.

On this day, we will depart from Pofu Camp and start our journey towards the Third Cave Camp. The trail will take us through several small valleys, with the vegetation becoming increasingly sparse as we move eastwards. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to witness the unique vistas of the Tsavo and Amboselli Valleys as we approach the Kenya border. Continuing our traverse around the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro, we will eventually reach Rongai 3rd Cave camp, where our campsite will be already prepared by our experienced crew for the night. The trek is shorter than the previous day, with sparse vegetation, but you will be feeling well acclimatized to the altitude. The climb is not steep, and we will arrive at Third Cave by mid-afternoon, providing ample time to relax and relish the stunning surroundings.

After having breakfast, your journey towards School Hut will commence. The path includes a constant ascent towards the saddle, which is a barren landscape situated amidst the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Subsequently, you will proceed upwards and reach the School Hut (4,800 m) during the early afternoon. It's crucial to maintain an appropriate pace to conserve your energy for the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) on the following night.

-> After arriving at School Hut, there are several critical elements that you should continue to focus on to maximize your chances of a successful climb, such as maintaining proper hydration and nutrition, getting adequate rest, monitoring your altitude sickness symptoms, and preparing your gear and clothing for the upcoming summit attempt. By paying attention to these essential aspects of the climb, you can increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak and making your journey to the summit a memorable and rewarding experience.

We will be roused at midnight for our final ascent to the summit. Following a quick meal, we will embark on a lengthy hike up the twisting path to the crater rim. The incline becomes steeper and the terrain rockier, with boulders appearing as we approach Gilman’s Point (5,681m). Each duo of hikers will be accompanied by their own personal guide for this portion of the trek.

The journey from Gilman’s Point, located on the crater's edge, to the summit is less challenging and can take between 1½ to 2 hours, depending on your pace. Once at the peak of Kilimanjaro, you may have the opportunity to descend to a nearby glacier, time permitting. We will then descend to Barafu Camp via an alternate route for a brief two-hour break before descending further to Millennium Camp at 3,950m. Here, a delicious dinner awaits you, and you can settle into your tent for a well-deserved rest after a remarkable achievement.

On the final day of your Kilimanjaro adventure, wake up surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature. The sense of relief and satisfaction of reaching the summit will be unforgettable. Fuel up with a delicious warm breakfast before making your way down to the Mweka Gate (1,640m) with your fellow climbers. Take a moment to reflect and share your thoughts on the climb in our guestbook. To commemorate your achievement, you will receive a commemorative certificate and we will arrange for a comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Appreciate the last day of your trip and the memories you will take with you.

Dear client, we hope your Kilimanjaro climbing journey has been an amazing experience so far. On the 10th day of your itinerary, it is time to say goodbye and depart. However, if you are interested, our company Explore Active would be delighted to arrange a post-climbing Safari trip or a day trip for you to continue your African adventure. Please let us know if you would like to extend your stay with us.